Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3946, Stephen Gates, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Gates, Stephen
R 3946
CONTENTS

In the matter of the application of Nov r 23 rd 1844
Stephen Gates for a pension
Proceedings
N o 48
To the care of Giles F. LADD Schenectady N.Y.

State of New-York, County of Schenectady, ss.
On this Seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirtytwo personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the court of common pleas in and for said County now sitting Stephen Gates a resident of the city of Schenectady in said County and State aged nearly eightytwo years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
He was born on Long Island in the town of Huntington in the County of Suffolk in the State of New-York on the 15 th day of November 1750. He has no record of his age except that contained in his family Bible.
When he was called into the service of the United States in the army of the revolution he was living in the town of Saratoga in the then County of Albany in said town, since the revolutionary war he has lived in Dutchess County & Albany County in said State & he now lives in Schenectady aforesaid.
He entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
In the fall of the year 1775, he was enrolled in Captain Woodworth's Company of Militia in the Regiment under Command of Colonel Graham. His other Company & Field officers whom he recollects were Lieutenants Ballard & Philip Rogers, & Lieutenant Colonel Van Schten. In the Brigade Commanded by General Schuyler. In this company.

he served until the end of said war.
On the 4 th day of August 1777, he was ordered off by the scouts of the American Army to the South, and directed to take his effects out of the reach of the enemy who were threatening to descend in that quarter. He accordingly removed his family, and a few articles which in the hurry of the occasion he could conveniently take with him, to Dutchess County, and immediately returned as a volunteer to Stillwater with Lieutenant Philip Rogers aforesaid, and joined the American army under General Gates. As he was well acquainted with that district of Country, he was chosen a guide to the scouting parties of the American army. The night before the general action near Stillwater he came into the American camp, went into the field of action the next morning, and saw the regular British troops & the Hessians fly before them, and never gave up the pursuit until they were driven to Burgoyne's headquarters near Bemis's Heights. He remained on duty until Burgoyne surrendered.
He was then ordered by Colonel Van Vechten & his other superior Officers to bring in the cattle that had been left on the farms of the Tories who had gone over to the enemy, and also of the Whigs who had been obliged to abandon their habitations. After performing this service he was discharged from duty for the time being, to wit on the first day of November 1777. His whole term of service under this expedition was three months and four days. His family returned to their former residence about the 1 st day of January 1778. They had left it full, but found it empty.
ms 1308
13

The years 1778, 1779, & 1780 were very trouble- some on account of continual alarms. Such was the exposed state of the country, that the enemy threatened incursions in every quarter and every season of the year. It was necessary to send out Scouts constantly to reconnoiter and watch the enemy, both night and day. Many of the inhabitants living in the vicinity of said lake and Fish Creek were influenced by one Jones a noted tory to join the enemy. Said Jones raised a company of disaffected persons & made many murderous and predatory incur- sions on the frontiers where the claimant lived. The claimant went out with a party and suc- ceeded in breaking up said company, but Jones himself eluded their vigilance & made his escape. He joined other parties of Tories, which reinforced by Indians formed a numerous party and laid waste the frontiers in the vicinity aforesaid & along the Mohawk river. The claimant served in all these scouting parties but the precise number of days he served in each & how often he served, it is impossible for him to specify.
his station in Genl In the year 1779, Captain Tripp & the claimant were ordered to arrange the in- habitants of the frontier settlements where he lived into two divisions, and they the said Captain Tripp & the claimant performed the duties of "patrols". They made sent marches that they might not expose themselves to the disaffected inhabitants. They engaged in this service about four weeks, and in that time the enemy withdrew for a short time, to wit

untill October in the year last named. But on the twentieth day of that month, they made their appearance near fort Edward & Miller burned the habitations of the whites & destroyed their cattle. They continued their depredations for twelve or 15 days, but when owing to the exertions of different scouting parties they were compelled to retire. The different occasions in which he served during the year 1779, in repelling the incursions of the Tories & Indians he cannot specify, nor yet the length of time he served in each.
In the spring of the year 1780, when the enemy under Sir John Johnson returned from their incursion on the Mohawk settlements, the Claimant served with a detachment that was sent to cut off the enemy's retreat on their way to Canada, but in this the Americans failed, as the enemy had gained the march of them. In this expedition he was out twelve days. On his return home and after remaining there about three hours he was ordered out again on an alarm & marched to Fort Edward. He there received orders to go home & collect a scouting party which he did, & with which he served fifteen days.
These are all the times he can distinctly remember. Alarms were so frequent & he was consequently called out so often that it is impossible for the Claimant to make a complete & perfect statement of them. But he can conscientiously testify that the period he was out in actual service exceeds greatly nine months, he thinks he can say more than one year.

THE FOLLOWING are the names of some of the regular officers whom he knew, or who were with the troops where he served, and such continental and militia regiments or companies with which he served, or as he can recollect, viz: Those before named
In addition to the above twelve months service he served for more than three months under Captain Lieutenant Armstrong at Salem last of Saratoga during the year 1778 & 1779-
He never received any written discharge from the service.
Stephen Gales
He has no _____ documentary evidence, and knows of no persons whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He has not seen any of his fellow soldiers for more than thirty years past, & believes they have all departed this life
The following are the names of persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood, and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution, to wit: Rev Salmon Stebbins James Walker Dorick C Groot Esq &c
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Subscribed and sworn to the } day and year first aforesaid }
Stephen Gales
John S. Wooman Clerk.
We Salmon Stebbins a clergyman residing in the City of Schenectady in the county of Schenectady aforesaid, and James Walker of the said City residing in the Town of Niskayuna Stephen Gales who do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Stephen Gales who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty two years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. & that he is of good moral character
Subscribed and sworn the } day and year aforesaid }
Salmon Stebbins James Walker Corn. Groot Dorick C Groot
John S. Wooman Clerk.
AND THE SAID COURT do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Salmon Stebbins who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the said City & that James Walker who has also signed - and that the same is also a resident of said City & Cornelius Groot who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same place & Dorick C Groot of Niskayuna in said County - and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
1 John S. Wooman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the county of Schenectady do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Gales for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two
John S. Wooman Clerk.

No. 18 2144 Stephen Bates N.Y.
Rev J. G. Gumm Hound Puff N.Y. Gilbert Yates agent Schenectady New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 23 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Stephen Yates, of Schenectady New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enrolled 1775 — 9 — Private Capt. Van Riper Lieut. Butler Sergt. Rogers Col. Schuyler Gen. Schuyler Gen. Gates Gen. Washington Particulars New York Paralogy — New York Testimony   Ordered out Vol 1777 — 3 4 Squire 2   Frequently called out in 1777 1778 & 79 & 80   In 1779 28 Patrol   " 1779   " 1780 12 Fort Edward   " 15 collecting Post  
Whole service, he alleges exceeds greatly nine months
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
not able to specify the term

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service, (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers,) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about 'three or four months', is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
+ to claim for service not specified in the manner pointed out above under note c can be allowed

1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845
1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852
3946
1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860

NY. June 1 st 56.
Stephen Bates -
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington D.C.

Schenectady May 23 rd 1835.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir.
Mr Stephen Gates
an applicant for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832, handed me the enclosed affidavit to be forwarded to you some time ago. My attention having been engrossed with other business, I have neglected to comply with his request. Mr Gates is a very deserving man, but has been peculiarly unfortunate in not being able to procure satisfactory testimony in support of his claim. I hope the enclosed affidavit will help forward his case.
I am very respectfully Your aff Son Giles T. Gates

Stephen Gates Supplemental De- claration

State of New York County of Schenectady 3 ss
Personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County now sitting on this twenty-fourth day of January One thousand eight hundred and thirty-four, Stephen Gates of the City of Schenectady in said County, and I the said Stephen Gates being duly sworn, do depose and say, that I am the identical applicant for a Pension referred to in sundry documents now on file in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions in the War Department of the United States - that I am now nearly eighty four years of age & my memory is daily & rapidly failing - that my recollection of events in which I acted apart during the war of the revolution, is not now distinct as it was even six or seven months ago. In consequence I may now be able to relate some occurrences of which I probably gave no account in said documents, & may have forgotten other occurrences which I probably specified in said documents, meaning my original & supplemental declarations - All I therefore do, will be to specify such of my services during said war as I now recollect and should any thing be omitted here which I have clearly set forth in said documents I pray the same may be taken into the account.
I served for a period of nine months in the whole between the beginning or spring of the year 1775, and the summer of the year 1777, with a Company or Companies of Galique men, Col. Armand Schuyler Commanding, and Ballard & one Rogers Lieutenants - I think I performed this nine months service under three different enlistments of three months each, but I cannot now remember during what months of the years 1775, 1776 & 1777 said service was performed, but I believe during the fall & winter months the Company in which I then served rendezvoused & performed their duty at Saratoga, Saratoga Lake, Fish Creek & Stillwater each enlistment was under the same officers, and was I am certified in the Continental army. One William Griffith who served with me, and the only person besides myself engaged in that service who is still living as far as I can learn, was my witness on a former examination, and his affidavit accompanied my supplemental declaration. He is a great deal younger than myself and has a better memory - To said affidavit and my own application I beg leave to refer in explanation of this service by me rendered. I performed some services which I believe were not mentioned in my previous affidavits on file in said office: to wit. After Burgoyne surrendered I was ordered by Col. Von Vechten, Captain Baldwin & other officers, who constituted

9 mos a committee to designate the property confiscated to this State for other purposes, to aid in ascertaining & gathering in the same In this service I was employed for at least two weeks & immediately thereafter was employed in other military duties which the exigencies of the times, and the incursions of the Tories continually made required - these it is now impossible for me to specify. But I remember well that I did not return to my family until the beginning of the month of January 1778 and know that all the time I was thus absent from my family, I did not engage in any civil pursuits, but was under martial orders & under arms & in my country's defence.
2 mos 2 weeks +
My military duties were principally per- formed in the militia Company in which I was en- rolled; viz, in that of Captain Woodworth in the Reg- ment Commanded by Colonel Graham in General Schuyler's Brigade. In the Summer of the year 1777, as General Burgoyne threatened to make a descent upon Saratoga where I lived I was ordered by the Scouts of the American army to remove my effects further South. I accordingly moved them & my family to Dutchess County. I was absent only two weeks, & on my return joined my Company Commanded by said Captain Woodworth, & served during the expedition against Burgoyne and until his surrender for a term exceeding two months and fifteen days in succession, being all the time on duty and under arms in the field and garrison, with the American army at Stillwater, Saratoga Bemis's Heights & the other posts occupied by said army during this Campaign.
2 1/2 mos V #
During the subsequent years of said war the inhabitants of Saratoga where I resided, were continually annoyed & harassed by the Tories and par- ties of the enemy, & the services of the militia were in constant requisition. My alarms were so frequent, and my tours of duty consisted generally of only a few days each & were so numerous, that unless I had made a special memorandum of the same, I could not expect to give a specific account of each tour. I performed these tours in said Company of Captain Woodworth as I believe I particularly set forth in my said declarations. In the year 1778, in the summer or fall of this year, I performed military duty with a detachment from said company under Command of Lieutenant Ballard I think, at Palmertown & its vicinity for a term not less than two weeks. In the month of October 1779, the enemy made their appearance at Forts Edward & Miller, and destroyed every thing within their reach.
2 weeks 15

12 dy On this occasion I performed the like duty under the same officers for a term not less than twelve or fifteen days, until the enemy withdrew. In the year 1780 I volunteered under Governor Clinton, & marched with a like detachment to Lake George to cut off the retreat of the enemy who were then returning from the settlements on the Mohawk river (which they had destroyed) to Canada. In this last tour I served at least two weeks. I remember some other officers who accompanied us in this tour, viz Major Armstrong & Colonel Williams. In the year 1780 I was on duty under the officers of my said Company for a term not less than twelve days - and had scarcely been at home three hours on my return from this tour when another alarm came & I was ordered to Fort Edward, where I received directions to collect a party to serve as spies. I then served as such spy for a term not less than fifteen days. When Ballston was burnt I was engaged in performing garrison duty at Fort Edward, Fort Miller & Lake George under the officers of said Company for a term of at least fifteen days. In the year 1781 I performed garrison duty under said officers and captain Armstrong, at Palmertown Fort Edward and Fort George for at least half a month - all these services, than which my memory doesn't serve me sufficiently well to specify any other, were performed by me in the grade of a private soldier - and while rendering them I did not engage in any civil pursuit whatsoever - and for the aforesaid service of more than seventeen months I claim a pension.
2 weeks 12 dy 15 dy 15 " 15 Stephen Gates
I hereby certify that the Stephen Gates who has signed the preceding deposition, swore to the same in open Court as aforesaid before me, and further that the foregoing is part of the original proceedings had in said Court in the matter of the application of said Stephen Gates for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court, the day & year first above written -
John S. Vrooman Clerk

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
39411
aw
P. O.
Stephen Gates
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: REJECTED _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

State of New York County of Schenectady vs Stephen Gates of the City of Schenectady in said County, an appli- cant for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832, described in the papers accompanying this affidavit, being further duly sworn do depose and say that I have endeavoured to obtain from William Griffis who testified as my fatigue duty under Colonel Harmans Schuy- ler, a more specific detail of said service but I have received no answer from said Griffis, although I have made application by letter to him several times, and presume he is dead or moved to some other place He was the only person living at the time I made my original application that served with me in the fatigue service aforesaid. It is therefore out of my power to give any further proof as to this service.
On a reperusal of my supplemen- tal affidavit taken in open court on the twenty fourth day of January last, I find I cannot specify more particularly than I have in said affidavit done, my different tours except in a few particulars.
In the Campaign against Burgoyne in the summer & fall of the year 1777, I was in the general engagements that took place previous to his surrender & saw him driven to his quarters. At day break the next morning I was one of the party that entered the enemy's camp, and found the wounded and sick with their medical attendants - we then made report to General Gates - He ordered a strong body of men to cross the river on a flou-

my bridge & go up the East side of the river another party on the west side of the river another in the rear - After Burgoyne had surrendered and our Army had gone to the South our situation on the Saratoga frontier was very desolate - we had no regular forces to aid us in repelling the attacks of the Tories & Indians. The Militia officers at this time were formed into a Committee which Committee consisted of Col. Van Richten, Captain Wright, Captain Baldwin, Lieut. Philip Rogers, and under their Command I was detained till 15 th January 1778, as specified in my previous deposition and thus I served in the campaign against Burgoyne under this Committee of Safety for a term exceeding five months, being all the time under arms & under martial orders & away from my family as before stated -
5 mo
In the year 1778, Governor Clinton having ordered an attack upon the enemy, I volunteered under Colonel Williams, Captain Armstrong Major Armstrong and Lieutenant Armstrong & went to Lake George. The boats in which we were to cross the water being out of order it took time to repair them, and so the enemy had time to escape. In this tour I was on duty 2 weeks at least two weeks - with a detachment of Militia under command of Lieut Ballard aforesaid, I served on a tour to Palmentown not 2 weeks less than two weeks - In October 1779 at 12 days Fort Edward & Miller not less than twelve days under one Captain Duncan & said Lieut Bal- lard - and on another occasion I served this year 2 weeks at Fort Edward under Captain Woodworth aforesaid & Lieutenant Rogers, and we had (Be- member) our Quarters or place of rendezvous

near Arch & McNeil's (adjutant) - In 1780 I served with a like detachment which was ad- vanced out to cut off the retreat of the enemy who were on their way back to Canada after having destroyed the Mohawk settlements. In 2 weeks this expedition I served at least two weeks under Major Armstrong & Colonel Williams. Under the officers of my company aforesaid, I served on two other occasions this year, one for a term 27 days of twelve & the other for a term of fifteen days at Fort Edward & Lake George. When Ballston was burnt I performed garrison duty under said officers at Fort Edward Fort Miller & 2 weeks Lake George at least two weeks - In 1787
I was out in one tour of at least twelve days I had been home only two hours when an express came for me to march to Fort Edward where 5 days I remained on duty five or six days. besides constantly guarding at night of which I make no account in my application for a pension all these my services were performed in the grade of a private soldier - When rendered I was not engaged in any civil pursuit.
I stated in my declaration that my Captain (Woodworth)'s company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Graham. Perhaps his company was not attached to Colonel Graham's Regiment, though I remember that my Captain was at times ordered by one Colonel Graham. Captain Woodworth was a militia officer & if I did not so state the fact so to be in my previous affidavits, I did so intend to state it. Colonel Van Kliefen was Colonel of the Militia Regiment in which I served.
Subscribed and sworn to this 27 th day of September 1834 Stephen Galt

27th day of September 1834 before me Subscribed Richard B. Farn McWilliams Strong Justice of the Peace
Supplemental affidavit

27 th day of September 2-1834 before me
STATE OF NEW-YORK. } County of Schenectady, } ss. CLERK'S OFFICE,
I, JONATHAN C. BURNHAM, Clerk of the county of Schenectady, do hereby Certify, that William Strong whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid dwelling in the said County, and duly authorised to take the same: And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment, is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, the 27 th day of September 1834.
J. C. Burnham CLERK.
Supplemental affidavit

Nov 30.
P. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington D.C.
Stephen Bates
Ms.

Dear
Mr. [illegible] who now has my papers under the act of 18th Decr. 1822, has done me at the time your letter dated 11th October 1824 in which you state that I might get [illegible] from my [illegible] from any of the numerous applicants under [illegible] Van [illegible] etc. Since the receipt of your letter which is more than a year ago, I have made [illegible] efforts to procure new [illegible] but without success. Those whom I considered to have [illegible] with me as [illegible] were [illegible] If you would be [illegible] to [illegible] me with the names of some of the [illegible] applicants who [illegible] that they [illegible] under [illegible] etc. in the papers on file in your office. I will call upon them & get their [illegible] but if I cannot find out who they are it will be out of my power to [illegible] [illegible] my [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
Stephen [illegible]
Wohensady Nov. 27 1823
2.13
11
12
12
13
13
13
2.24

  1775  6.7  0.9.0  Capt Woodward  Harmann Schuyler 2 nd Dist    Fall  1777  0 3 -  Same     1778  0 5 -  Lieut Ballard  Captains  Armstrong or Maj Armstrong    1779  0.0 14  Capt Duncan      "  0 0. 14  " Woodward    

Schenectady County ss
William Hatch of Westmoreland in the County of Oneida and State of New York being duly sworn, says, that he was acquainted with Stephen Gates , an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832, and knows that he served in the Revolutionary War as a private under the command of Col Van Richten, and in his Regiment & under other regimental Officers, whom he this Deponent, now does not recollect; And further that he knew the said Stephen Gates , to be in that service for fifteen months or more, and that the said Col Van Richten commanded a Regiment of militia in Saratoga, near the place where Genl Burgoyne surrendered; and that these services were rendered by the said Stephen Gates in the years one thousand seven hundred & seventy five - - one thousand seven hundred & seventy six & one thousand seven hundred & seventy seven. This Depo- nent further says that the above mentioned services were performed as follows - to wit - three months under Capt Woodward a militia Captain in the year one - thousand seven hundred & seventy five, at Saratoga, in the fall of that year; three months under said Captain Woodward at said Saratoga in the spring of the year one thousand seven hundred
3 - 1775
3

1776 and seventy six; Three months under said Captain Woodward under the 3- fall of the last mentioned year at said Saratoga; and six months as a 6- ranger under Captain Wright a militia Captain, at Saratoga, Stillwater and other places during the part of the sum- mer, the fall & part of the winter of the year one thousand seven hundred & seventy seven further says not known before me { this 4 th day of { William Hatch March 1813 } N.B. The words "under" & "Regimental" interlined before swearing We, the undersigned the Justices of the Peace in and for the City and County of Schenectady
of the peace in and for the county aforesaid dwelling in the said County, and duly authorised to take the same: And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Albert A.  Vedder and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowl- edgment, is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, the Fourth day of March A.D. 1835.
J. O. Burnham CLERK.

STATE OF NEW-YORK, County of Schenectady, CLERK'S OFFICE, } 88.
I, JONATHAN C. BURNHAM, Clerk of the county of Schenectady, do hereby Certify, that Albert A. Vedder whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid dwelling in the said County, and duly authorised to take the same: And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Albert A. Vedder and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment, is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, the Fourth day of March A.D. 1835.
J. C. Burnham CLERK.

Recd Nov 28 '34
Sep 30 1834
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington D.C.

Schenectady Sept 29 1834 J. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir.
Resg. have to return herewith for your decision the papers original & supplementary in the matter of the application of Stephen Gates for a Pension under the act of 7 th June 1832. He has made and you will receive accompanying this, a new supple- mental affidavit in which he has endeav- oured to explain the objections contained in your favor of the 2 nd March ultimo to the name of Woodworth. He cannot give more satisfaction as to the fatigue duty he performed under Col. Schuyler of the Militia for the reason stated in his said supplemental affidavit. He is willing to take a pension for such amount of service as it shall be adjudged he has sufficiently proved.
I am yours Truly
J. H. Wood-

State of New York County of Schenectady ss
Stephen Gates
the applicant named in the annexed declaration being duly sworn, saith - That by reason of the long period of time that has elapsed since the war of the Revolution, and his making no memorandum of his services, it is impossible for him to specify the different terms for which he served in the years 1778 1779 & 1780 as referred to in said declaration, but this Deponent unequivocally testifies, that he served sometimes two or three weeks & often for a whole month at a time as a spy & in scouting parties in the vicinity of the Saratoga & along the Mohawk river to apprehend disaffected persons & repel the murderous and predatory incursions of the enemy, and knows that the whole period for which he thus served exceeds nine months . In addition thereto this Deponent served as set forth in said declaration for the term of three months & four days in the campaign against Burgoyne - twelve days in the Spring of the year 1780 - also fifteen days in the

Spring of the year last named - also three months under Captain and Lieu- tenant Armstrong at Salina East of Sara- toga with a detachment employed in ran- ging the woods in search of the enemy or parties thereof - this Deponent was detailed from said Company of Captain Woodworth to join & serve in the com- pany of said Captain Armstrong mak- ing in all a service of fifteen months. But besides the foregoing which includes all that is set forth in said declaration this Deponent served, was detailed from the said Company of Captain Woodworth to serve with a fatigue party at Fish creek who were engaged in felling timber to make bridges & repair the road from Albany to Picoenderoga. He was thus detailed & served from the 1 st December 1775 to the 1 st March 1776 under Colonel Harmannus Schuyler - from the 1 st Dec 1776 to the first of March 1777, & from the first day of December 1777 to the first day of March 1778, he performed the like service under the same officers making in all a service of nine months in addition to the above fifteen months for which this Deponent claims a pension herein described. I do hereby this 21 st day of Stephen Galt June 1839, before me Witness my hand and the Seal

County of Schenectady ss. William Griffes a resident of the town of Fredericksburgh Midland District of Upper Canada, being duly sworn saith, that he was in the time of the revolutionary war and is now well acquainted with Stephen Gates who has sub- scribed and sworn to the preceding deposi- tion - That this deponent was detailed from the aforesaid Company of Captain Woodworth & served with said Gates from the 1 st December 1775, to 1 st March 1776, from 1 st December 1776 to 1 st March 1777, & from 1 st December 1777 to 1 st March 1778, to wit, for nine months with the fatigue party aforesaid, and that said Stephen Gates served said nine months in full to the certain knowledge of this deponent & further saith not. I'm Griffes I certify that the above affidavit was
Subscribed & sworn this 27 th June 1833, before
me by William Griffes above de- scribed he being proved to be the identi- cal person so described before me by the oath of Nathaniel Griffes of the town of Westerlo who is to me known to be a credible person and further I certify that the said William appears from papers presented to me by him and other matters satis- factory to me to be a credible person
L. W. Jones a Judge of Schenectady County Courts -

County of Schenectady ss
I, John S. Vrooman Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Samuel W. Jones before whom the preceding deposition of Stephen Gates & William Griffes have been taken, was on the day of the date thereof one of the Judges of the County Courts in and for said County, that I am acquainted with the handwriting of said Samuel W. Jones, and verily believe the signature to the jurata of said deposition purporting to be his, is genuine; and I further certify that Wil- iam Strong before whom the preceding deposition of Stephen Gates has been taken, was on the day of the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County, and that I am acquainted with the hand- writing of said William Strong, & verily believe that the signature to said Deposition pur- porting to be his, is genuine.
Witness my hand & Seal of Office this 2 d day of July 1833
John S. Vrooman Clerk

I was in Capt d Woodworths company at Saratoga May 1 st 1776 but nothing more than ordinary Military duty was performed under him, that section of country being not beset by the enemy - Nov r 1776 enlisted for nine months under Gen l Schuyler - Col t Warnerus Schuyler being the being the Officer of the day - I was employed in getting out timber for bridges, block houses, barracks &c three months - was paroled for fifteen days when I returned and was engaged in assisting the removal of the timber to Saratoga lake and the borders of Fish Creek three months. Then was absent fifteen days on a furlough, at the expiration of which I was attached to a minute company under the command of Capt d John Wright. Capt d Wright was at Saratoga barracks. I was engaged for three months with patrolling parties - the enemy being at Fort Miller, and our army retreating from Ticonderoga to Stillwater. The inhabitants of Saratoga were ordered by Gen l Schuyler to flee for safety - Soon after Gen l Gates having made a proclamation. Repaired to Saratoga and joined his army about the middle of August 1777 - I was appointed a guide to a scouting party (for I was acquainted with woods) in which I served until the surrender of Gen l Burgoyne and was selected on that occasion to assist in removing the wounded from the field of Battle - After the retirement of Gates army I was held subject to the requisition of Officers among whom was Col s Van Rensselaer and Williams - who were formed into committees for the protection of the country - In the fall of 1778 the inhabitants the inhabitants were alarmed and again in jeopardy - the enemy coming in upon them from the north composed of Indians Tories &c who were permitted to leave Burgoyne before his surrender. I was called upon as a minute man and subject to the direction of the committees above mentioned -
(continued over)

To take up arms to drive the foe from our borders again in the fall of 1779 the enemy from the same quarter threatened the destruction of the country when I volunteered under Gov. George Clinton, who pursued them as far as Lake George with an intention of cutting off their retreat. In the fall of 1781 I was called out for the last time for the performance of military duty in defence of our country in alarm, making in all a service of more than a year and a half.
The reason why my name is not found enrolled in Capt. Woodworth's Company is that at first I was a member of his Company only as a Militia man but afterwards became a Minute man in the actual defence of my country.
The last battle that I fought in which was the taking of Burgoyne - was fought so far from my home and not knowing that my country would ever be able to reward the soldiers for their perils and dangers - that I neglected to obtain from living witnesses testimonials as to the time and length of my service in the War of the Revolution - for they with but one or two exceptions have gone to their Still and silent graves.
Stephen Gates
S.
h for Wright but Walden mense cost

We whose names are hereunto annexed, have been for many years personally acquainted with Stephen Gates and have no hesitation in testifying that his character stands above reproach by all who are acquainted with him, He is considered to be a man of the strictest veracity and integrity, and also believe him justly entitled to that pension from his government enjoyed by many of his brother patriots of the revolution, and we farther pray that his petition may be granted, inasmuch that it may give him a little solace in his declining years. —
John I De Graff
Jacob Van Vichten, Pastor of Dutch Church Schenectady
Freeman Seymour Pastor of M c Clusker E. Church.
State of New York City of Schenectady } ss
Personally appeared before me Stephen Gates, who has signed the annexed letter and statement, the said Stephen Gates being to me well known, and the said Stephen being duly sworn, saith that the facts set forth in said statement and letter, are true and correct, according to the best of his knowledge and belief. In witness whereof I the undersigned Mayor of said City, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the corporate seal of said city, this 22 nd day of February 1836.
John I De Graff Mayor of the City of Schenectady

I have received a letter from H. C. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions dated 3 rd Dec r 1830, in which it is stated, that the evidence now furnished to substantiate my claim for a pension is such as to render it inadmissible. It is said that the pay rolls of Captain Woodworth's Company in which I claim to have served in 1779, 1780 & 1781 have been found, but that my name is not found therein". As I have heretofore stated that I served during those years in Captain Woodworth's Company I did not so intend to do, or may have misunderstood those who made inquiries of me when drawing up my papers. I have already furnished several statements of my revolutionary services, and owing to the defectiveness of my memory at times, and I may have furnished statements apparently discordant. I have thought the matter over again fully, and have drawn up the annexed statement which I conscientiously believe to be correct in all its parts. In the years 1779, 1780, & 1781, I served as a minute man in a company commanded by Captain Job Wright & Lieutenants Eldwin Schucherty
22 July 1836
Stephen Gater